2001 Ford Explorer temp gage goes up

It sounds like the fan clutch isn't working properly. Are you sure it is? Have you had the radiator flushed?

I have not had radiator flushed, the clutch feals tight when I try to spin the fan. Should I try changing the thermostate?

I would recommend both, the thermostat and flushing the radiator. Please keep in mind, what you have described (getting hot sitting in traffic) usually indicates the fan clutch. Here is why. If the vehicle runs at a normal temp when moving, that tells me the t-stat and cooling system are working. However, when sitting, the temp under the hood should lock the fan so it spins at the same speed as the engine. Even though it feels tight, it may still be the problem.

Let me know what you think.

Joe